Washington, July 16
Private American company Axiom Space on Wednesday informed that it celebrated the arrival of the Ax4 mission back in Texas.
“Yesterday, Axiom Space leaders celebrated the arrival of #Ax4 back in Texas,†the American company posted on X.
The 20-day mission, led by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, and other government space agencies, including ISRO, was launched to the ISS on June 26.
Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to go to the International Space Station (ISS).
Shukla returned to Earth on Tuesday along with fellow astronauts from the US, Poland, and Hungary aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft "Grace".
Lucknow-born Shukla was included in the astronaut selection process by ISRO in 2019 after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 announced from the Red Fort that a son or daughter of India would go to space very soon.
In January 2025, the 39-year-old astronaut was selected as the pilot for the Ax-4 mission -- a collaborative mission between NASA and ISRO.
The IAF officer became the youngest astronaut-designate under India's Gaganyaan mission -- the country’s first human spaceflight mission.
Speaking to IANS in March, Shukla said he hopes to use his “journey to inspire this entire generation to pursue their careers in the field of space,†as he “was extremely inspired and motivated†by Rakesh Sharma.
On the Ax-4 mission, Shukla served as the pilot alongside Commander Peggy Whitson of the US.
On the ISS, Shukla conducted seven pioneering experiments related to food and space nutrition that aimed to enhance understanding of sustainable life-support systems, a crucial aspect of future long-duration space travel.
Shukla's mission is not only an inspiration for billions of Indians but also a key stepping stone for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, slated for 2027.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While this is an amazing achievement, I wish ISRO would focus more on solving basic problems in India first. We have so many issues with healthcare and education that need funding too.
The food experiments Shukla conducted are actually very important! Space nutrition will be crucial for future Mars missions. India is finally getting recognition in global space programs. Jai Hind!
As an expat in India, I'm amazed by how quickly your space program is progressing. The collaboration between NASA and ISRO shows how science transcends borders. Congratulations to Shubhanshu and team!
My 10-year-old son is now obsessed with becoming an astronaut after seeing Shukla's journey. These role models are so important for our children's dreams. When will ISRO start school outreach programs?
The real achievement is how India is now a key player in international space missions. From being observers to active participants - what a journey! Hope this leads to more tech transfer opportunities.
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